Nightmares in Color: Closing Shift

By Eric Ceja Ruiz

Lucas returns home to Seam Beach after a tragic past that changed him not just physically but mentally. Lucas gets a job at the pizza parlor where his dad worked but what drifts into the parlor during Lucas's closing shift is nothing more but evil.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eric Ceja Ruiz
• Release date: Sep 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005571542

Eric Ceja Ruiz

Eric Ceja Ruiz, a native of Orange County, California, possesses a deep passion for engaging in creative endeavors. Growing up in a bilingual family, Eric's unique background has instilled in him an unconventional approach to creative writing. Primarily raised in Huntington Beach, California, and its surrounding areas, he completed his education at Huntington Beach High School before pursuing further studies at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California. Presently, Eric is enrolled at California State University of Long Beach in Long Beach, California, where he continues to broaden his knowledge.With an unwavering love for poetry, Eric dedicates himself to the art form, regularly publishing collections of short poems that revolve around specific themes. Moreover, he has showcased his talent as a storyteller through the creation of the captivating mini horror series titled "Nightmares in Color." This series comprises interconnected horror tales, drawing readers into a web of suspense and intrigue.By consistently exploring various creative avenues, Eric Ceja Ruiz exemplifies his commitment to artistic expression and the pursuit of innovative projects.

Book preview

Welcome to the NightMare Universe

This universe is similar to our own but certain things make it different. Nightmares are beautiful when they are in full color.

Closing Shift

October 15, 2005

Branches hang from both sides of the road; the afternoon sun sinks through the gaps between the woods and branches. A green 1982 suburban makes its way down the isolated road, black-eyed peas play faintly on the radio. Lucas sits in the passenger seat. He's a skinny seventeen-year-old with fair skin and a cinnamon complexion. Finally, the narrow road comes to an end. The suburban makes a right into the parking lot of a small thrift shop and a pizza parlor.

Please don't forget to pick me up at ten Lucas turns over to his Mom.

As soon as the nurse working the night shift gets there, I'll be back, don't worry, mijo. Luiza, his Mom, says.

Lucas leers at the pizza parlor.

First days are always like this. You'll be fine, Luiza says as she holds Lucas's hand.

Everything is in my bag, right Lucas looks over to his Mom. She nods. 

Lucas pulls the handle and hops off the suburban. He turns back and waves as she drives out of the parking lot. The parking lot is full of cars, including the awkwardly parked pizza delivery van with a giant pizza statue on top. Lucas puts on his work hat and walks into Seam Beach Pizza Parlor. 

The smell of fresh-baked pizza and wings collide with Lucas as he walks in. Lucas probes the dining room. He spots